Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 173

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Steamship Shieldhall Cruise to the Isle of Wight and the Medina River

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Join us on an exciting cruise when Shieldhall will venture into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight! On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 13:00 - 17:30
  2. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026to17 May 2026
    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  3. Simply Aston Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.

    All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Easter Egg-venture at Go Ape Moors Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Ashley Heath, Ringwood

    Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Moors Valley's Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026
  5. Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.

    Carnival route …

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026
  6. Painting party with The Paint Club at Brew Dog Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  7. The Ultimate Eagles

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Winchester

    Handshake Ltd

    The Ultimate Eagles

    Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.

    Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 18:30 - 19:30
  8. Heritage Open Day Docks Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 18:00
  9. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Cruise to Portsmouth Harbour

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 18:00
  11. Cowes Week

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Cowes

    Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026
  12. Parrot Play & Ball Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  13. Southsea Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southsea

    The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  15. Wings and Woodlands Artisan Markets

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Sunday March 22, May 17 and September 20

    10:00am-5:30pm

    The Hawk Conservancy Trust are excited to be collaborating with CW Events to bring their visitors an exciting Artisan Market experience on select Sundays throughout 2026!
    See the Hawk…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  16. Simply Italian

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.

    All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Newport Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026
  18. Winchester Books Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Winchester

    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with strong literary connections.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026
  19. Disney And Pixar Cars

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    New Forest

    Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!

    Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Oct 2025to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Steam to the Solent Cruise with The Selsey Shantymen

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00